Phil received his degree in Mass Communications from Hardin-Simmons University in 1980. He worked as a Sports Editor at his hometown newspaper, the Vernon Daily Record, for one year before becoming Youth Editor of the Abilene Reporter-News in 1981. Phil worked more than nine years at the Reporter-News, including seven years as Assistant Sports Editor, before attending McMurry University to receive his teacher’s certification.

In his career with AISD, Phil has taught at Lincoln Middle School and Cooper High School and served as a special education counselor at Abilene High School. He became the first counselor/director of Holland Medical High School when it opened in 2006 and served there until being named Director of Communications in February 2011.

Phil also served three years in the Caldwell Independent School District, first as teacher at Caldwell High School. There, he taught English and Journalism, and resurrected the school newspaper. After receiving his Master’s of Education in Counseling from Sam Houston State University, he became guidance counselor at Caldwell Intermediate School.

Phil and his family returned to Abilene and AISD in 2003. His wife, Cathy, has worked for AISD for more than 20 years, and the their two children, Jay and Carly, are both graduates of Abilene High School.